25th Army 10M Increases Registration to 30,000

WASHINGTON, DC – (February 19, 2009) – The Army
Ten-Miler, the country’s second largest 10 mile, has increased its field to
a race high 30,000 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the race set for Sunday,
Oct. 4. Registration will open on Wednesday, April 1 at ArmyTenMiler.com.

Despite the increased runner field, the race is expected to
sell out by mid-May and runners are encouraged to sign-up early to assure entry.
More than 700 teams are expected to compete in this year’s race and soldier
teams will be allowed to pre-pay for entries again when they register their team
name. Race officials also confirmed that they will use a wave start again to
release runners for this year’s Army Ten-Miler.

“Over the years, we have been able to incrementally increase
the runner field and maintain a safe, competitive race,” said Jim Vandak, race
director. “Since the 2008 race sold out in a record 21 days, we looked at the
logistics and felt that we could incrementally increase participation in this
year’s 25th anniversary race.”

The expanded size of the race has led to other changes as
well. The free, two-day expo preceding the race will move to the DC Armory
enabling twice the number of exhibitors and longer packet pick-up hours for
runners. The GEICO pasta dinner on Saturday, Oct. 3 will move to a larger
ballroom at the Gateway Crystal Marriott thereby adding an additional 300
seats.

Military culture is infused throughout the Army’s race
beginning with the opening ceremonies which include Blackhawk flyovers
and the Golden Knights parachute team; Missing Parts in Action
Team (military amputee runners); soldier volunteers and the finishers’
coins. The Army Ten-Miler provides a venue for military and civilians to compete
for top awards in over 27 division and show support for all our nation’s men and
women in uniform.

This unique road race has both its start and finish lines at
the Pentagon. Race weekend activities include a two-day race expo, fitness
clinics, youth runs, post-race party and HOOAH tents from Army
installations around the world. The ATM is produced U.S. Army Military District
of Washington (MDW), with proceeds benefiting Army Morale, Welfare and
Recreation, a comprehensive network of support and leisure services designed to
enhance the lives of Soldiers and their families. The mission of the Army
Ten-Miler is to promote the Army, build esprit de corps, support fitness goals
and enhance community relations. For more information about this prestigious
race, visit: ArmyTenMiler.com